The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a beautiful and popular short trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Perfect for beginners and experienced trekkers, this journey offers stunning mountain views, cultural experiences, and an easy-to-moderate adventure.
Trek Overview
Your trek starts from Dhampus and ends in Tikhedhunga. You’ll pass through charming villages like Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, Banthanti, Ghandruk, and Ghorepani along the way. The trail takes you up stone-paved steps, through lush rhododendron forests, and alongside terraced farms. You’ll get to meet the friendly Gurung and Magar communities, known for their warm hospitality.
One of the highlights is reaching Ghorepani, a picturesque village at 2,874 meters. From here, an early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 meters) offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, especially during sunrise when the peaks glow in golden hues.
Highlights of the Trek
Stunning Mountain Views – See majestic peaks like Annapurna (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m), and Machapuchare (6,993m).
Sunrise from Poon Hill – Witness one of the most spectacular sunrises over the Himalayas.
Local Culture – Experience the traditions, food, and lifestyle of the Gurung and Magar people.
Varied Landscapes – Walk through rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and quaint mountain villages.
Short and Rewarding – Perfect for those with limited time but a big love for adventure.
Best Time to Trek
Spring (March–May): Rhododendrons in full bloom, pleasant weather, and clear skies.
Autumn (September–November): Stable weather, crisp air, and breathtaking mountain views.
Winter (December–February): Cold but peaceful, with snow adding charm to the landscape.
Monsoon (June–August): Lush greenery, but expect rain and slippery trails.
Difficulty Level
This is an easy-to-moderate trek, suitable for anyone with a basic fitness level. The highest point is Poon Hill at 3,210m. Expect daily hikes of 4 to 6 hours, with some steep climbs, especially the stone steps to Ulleri.
Final Thoughts
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is ideal if you’re looking for a short yet fulfilling Himalayan adventure. It offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and stunning mountain views.
Whether you’re a first-time trekker or a seasoned hiker, this trek promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Nepal. Get ready to explore, be inspired, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Outside the terminal of Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport agent will be waiting for you with a sign bearing the name of the Company. Then, you will transfer to the Hotel after you arrive at TIA. If you arrive at TIA on time, you can visit the nearby Hotel area (depending on the arrival time) or you can rest after the long air flight. On this day, our staff or your trip guide will meet and greet you at the Hotel and brief you about the day ahead journey. You will stay overnight.
After an early morning breakfast at the hotel, the journey will start towards western Nepal via the Prithivi Highway. In approximately one hour, you will reach at the Trishuli River, passing through pictures scenes of Nepali house, terraced fields, hotels, and khaja ghar along the route. A riverside restaurant will be the stop for lunch.
Continuing on the Kathmandu -Pokhara highway, the route unfolds diverse landscapes, showcasing a variety of flora, fauna and cultural elements. Upon reaching Pokhara, the next journey will start towards Dhampus Phedi. After reaching Phedi, you will trek to Dhampus where you will stay overnight.
In the early morning, you will enjoy breakfast at Dhampus and start your journey towards Landruk. Landruk is a charming village that offers breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna I (8091m), Fishtail (6993m), Gangapurna (7455m), Lamjung Himal (6983m), and the Dhaulagiri range. This village is renowned not only for its scenic beauty but also for activities like honey hunting and the rich Gurung culture where you will stay overnight.
After having breakfast in Landruk, you will start your trek to Ghandruk village. Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village situated at an elevation of 2012m, is home to a Gurung museum and will offer one of the best views of Annapurna South (7219m), Gangapurna (7455m), Annapurna III (7555m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Machhapuchhre (6993m). On this day, you will stay overnight here.
You will start your trek from Ghandruk after morning breakfast, heading to Banthanti. Banthanti is a peaceful and picturesque spot that will attract you with its natural beauty. It is surrounded by lush green forests adorned with vibrant blooms, creating a delightful atmosphere. After a long trek, you will stay overnight.
After having breakfast in Banthanti, you will head towards Ghorepani, a renowned spot for the Poon Hill trek known for its abundant natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. Ghorepani is a relatively modern village equipped with various amenities, including hot water facilities, bookstores, small shops, and bakeries. Hot showers will be available for your convenience. Lunch will be along the way, and you will stay overnight in Ghorepani.
In the early morning, you will hike to the top of Poon Hill for a stunning sunrise view of Himalayan peaks like Dhaulagiri (seventh highest), Annapurna (10th highest), Manaslu (eighth highest), and the majestic Machapuchare peak. After enjoying this spectacle, return to Ghorepani, have lunch there, and continue the trek through forested terrain, with both uphill and downhill stretches, finally reaching Tikhedhunga for an overnight stay.
Upon having breakfast at Tikhedhunga, you will prepare for the drive to Pokhara (822m), where you will lunch at Pokhara. Following the lunch, you have the option to either explore the lakeside area or take some rest, depending on your preference. You will stay overnight at Hotel.
Following breakfast, you will prepare for the drive to Kathmandu, with lunch along the way. Kathmandu reaches in the late afternoon. An evening farewell dinner will be at Hotel, and accommodations for the night.
You will have breakfast in the early morning and you will depart from Tribhuvan International Airport as per your schedule.
At Rise Expeditions, we handle every detail of your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable journey. With experienced guides and top-notch gear, you can focus on enjoying the stunning Annapurna region.
Download our detailed trek overview!
The trek to Annapurna Regions is an incredible experience, combining breathtaking scenery with a chance to explore Nepal’s rich culture. It’s a moderately challenging trek, with steep trails and high altitudes, so good physical fitness and some prior trekking experience are important.
The journey takes you above 3,000 meters, where the air gets thinner, and altitude can become a factor. We’ll guide you on how to prepare, from fitness tips to packing the right gear. If needed, we can recommend practice hikes to help you feel more confident on the trail.
With our experienced team supporting you every step of the way, you can focus on enjoying the adventure and making it to the stunning Langtang Valley safely and comfortably.
Proper equipment is essential for a safe and comfortable trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. At Rise Expeditions, we make sure you’re fully prepared to handle the varying conditions of the Annapurna region.
When you book your Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, we’ll provide a detailed gear list to ensure you have everything you need for the journey.
You can also download the full gear list [here] to start getting ready.
To confirm your spot, a 30% deposit is required at the time of booking. An additional 40% must be paid at least one month before you arrive in Nepal, and the remaining balance is due upon your arrival. Payments can be made via cash or credit card, with credit card fees covered by the participant.
Cancellation Policy
Additional Costs for Cancellations
We would recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance for added protection. For more details, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us or refer to our full booking policy.
We strongly recommend getting travel insurance before your trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. This will help protect you in case of unexpected situations during your trip.
Your insurance should cover:
While we prioritize your safety, having insurance gives you extra peace of mind. If you need help finding the right coverage, please contact us.
The trek is considered easy to moderate, suitable for beginners and trekkers with basic fitness. The highest point, Poon Hill (3,210m), is accessible with a steady pace and some steep climbs, especially the stone steps to Ulleri.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek typically takes 10 days, allowing for a steady pace with plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings, experience the local culture, and rest along the way.
The best time to trek is during Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November). These seasons offer clear skies, vibrant landscapes, and pleasant weather. Winter can be cold, and the monsoon season (June–August) is rainy and slippery.
Expect moderate temperatures in lower altitudes and cold at higher elevations, especially at Poon Hill. During spring and autumn, temperatures are mild, and the skies are usually clear, providing perfect trekking conditions.
While the trek can be done without a guide, hiring one is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and a richer cultural experience. A porter can help with carrying your gear, making the trek more comfortable.